Delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Recipe: A Quick & Easy Dinner

Are you looking for a quick and tasty dinner recipe that can be prepared in just under 30 minutes? Look no further than this Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe! Perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks, this dish is not only simple to make but also incredibly delicious. Whether you are hosting friends or simply looking for a hearty meal at home, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp will surely satisfy everyone's taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp (shelled and deveined)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Fresh lemon juice from 1-2 lemons (depending on taste preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing your shrimp. Peel off the tails, then remove the black vein from inside the shrimp using a sharp knife. Rinse thoroughly under cold water.
2. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
3. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about one minute, stirring continuously so that it does not burn. Garlic should turn golden brown when done.
4. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the shrimp into the pan in a single layer. Allow them to cook until they just start turning pink (approximately 2-3 minutes per side). You want the shrimp to be firm but still slightly pink inside for best flavor and texture.
5. Mix in half of the lemon zest along with a good splash of fresh lemon juice. Continue cooking for another minute or two, allowing flavors to meld together.
6. Season generously with salt and pepper according to personal preference.
7. Transfer cooked shrimp from skillet onto plates. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or basil if desired before serving immediately.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes total time (including prep).
Servings: This dish serves approximately four people as a main course, or six as an appetizer depending on how much you enjoy it!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Lemon Garlic Shrimp comes out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips:

• Use large shrimp; they will hold more flavor.
• The key is in the freshness of ingredients. Use fresh lemon zest and juice whenever possible.
• Do not overcrowd your pan when cooking shrimp; this can lead to steaming instead of searing, resulting in less flavorful dishes.

Variations and Substitutions

If you'd like to add some extra flavors or cater to dietary preferences, here are a few suggestions:

• For those who love spicy food, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the shrimp before adding garlic.
• To make this dish vegetarian, replace the shrimp with sliced mushrooms. Use additional olive oil if needed and adjust seasoning accordingly.
• For a dairy-free version, omit cream entirely or use coconut milk as an alternative base for your sauce.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional value of this recipe may vary based on individual choices such as the amount of lemon juice used. However, typically per serving (assuming four servings), you can expect:

• Approximately 250 calories per serving.
• 17 grams protein per serving.
• About 13 grams fat, including healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated ones found in olive oil.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Shrimp is a versatile dish that combines simplicity with excellent taste. Its quick preparation time makes it ideal for busy weekdays while providing enough flavor to impress guests during dinner parties. With minimal effort, you can create a memorable meal that everyone will love!

Note: Always follow proper food safety guidelines when handling raw seafood.